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16/07/2012
Mobile Users Warned Of 'Smishing' Scams
Fresh warning have been issued by mobile phone operator O2 about the dangers of responding to unsolicited text messages following a series of scams this year.
In the latest attempt to secure confidential information, customers have been receiving texts from a UK number telling them they have won $2m (€1.63m) and asking them to send specific details.
In another 'smishing' scam, where fraudsters use text messages in an attempt to con people into handing over personal or financial information, customers have been receiving a text message telling them they have received flowers from a secret admirer and asking them to click on a web link. O2 has confirmed that the website has since been shut down and registered as a 'phishing' site.
'Phishing' is an attempt to trick customers into revealing private information by imitating websites. 'Smishing' is the practice of phishing using text messages.
"As soon as O2 is made aware of smishing texts, we immediately seek to shut down access to the fraudulent websites," an O2 spokesman said.
"O2 will never ask customers by SMS to disclose personal information," he added.
Another scam earlier this year offered "unlimited free calls to any network" by going to a website. O2 managed to have that website taken down but not before thousands of customers received the text.
(H)
In the latest attempt to secure confidential information, customers have been receiving texts from a UK number telling them they have won $2m (€1.63m) and asking them to send specific details.
In another 'smishing' scam, where fraudsters use text messages in an attempt to con people into handing over personal or financial information, customers have been receiving a text message telling them they have received flowers from a secret admirer and asking them to click on a web link. O2 has confirmed that the website has since been shut down and registered as a 'phishing' site.
'Phishing' is an attempt to trick customers into revealing private information by imitating websites. 'Smishing' is the practice of phishing using text messages.
"As soon as O2 is made aware of smishing texts, we immediately seek to shut down access to the fraudulent websites," an O2 spokesman said.
"O2 will never ask customers by SMS to disclose personal information," he added.
Another scam earlier this year offered "unlimited free calls to any network" by going to a website. O2 managed to have that website taken down but not before thousands of customers received the text.
(H)
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